Cranberry Joy Tree Board

Featured in: Seasonal Cooking

This vibrant holiday board combines sweet cranberries, a variety of cheeses, red grapes, green apple slices, and dried apricots arranged artfully in a tree shape using fresh rosemary as branches. Layered with olives, marcona almonds, pepitas, and accented with dark chocolate squares and honey or fig jam, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for easy, no-cook occasions, this visually stunning platter suits gatherings and festive celebrations, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Serve chilled or room temperature alongside preferred drinks for a joyful presentation.

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By Claire Johnson

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:34:00 GMT

Festive Cranberry Joy Tree Board offers a delightful spread of cheeses, fruits, and crackers for sharing. | ovenharmony.com

A festive, visually stunning charcuterie board featuring a delightful combination of sweet and savory elements, arranged in the shape of a holiday tree Perfect for gatherings and celebrations

This board is a family favorite during the holidays and impresses every guest with its festive presentation

Ingredients

Cheeses: 100 g brie cheese cut into cubes 100 g sharp white cheddar cubed 100 g herbed goat cheese rolled into balls
Fruits: 1 cup fresh cranberries 1 cup red grapes halved 1 green apple sliced 1/2 cup dried apricots halved
Savory Accompaniments: 1/2 cup green olives pitted 1/2 cup marcona almonds or roasted almonds 1/4 cup pepitas or pumpkin seeds
Sweets: 1/4 cup dark chocolate squares 1/4 cup honey or fig jam
Crackers & Bread: 1 1/2 cups assorted crackers (gluten-free if needed) 1/2 baguette sliced (optional)
Garnish: Fresh rosemary sprigs (to mimic pine branches)

Instructions

Step 1:: On a large wooden board or platter outline a tree shape using fresh rosemary sprigs as the branches
Step 2:: Starting from the base layer rows of crackers and bread slices to form the bottom of the tree
Step 3:: Alternate rows of cheeses grapes cranberries and apple slices working your way up the tree shape
Step 4:: Add olives almonds and dried apricots throughout filling gaps and adding color contrast
Step 5:: Place the goat cheese balls and dark chocolate squares as decorative ornaments
Step 6:: Set a small bowl of honey or fig jam near the base or side of the board
Step 7:: Garnish with extra rosemary and if desired a star-shaped cracker or cheese slice at the top
Step 8:: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve

This vibrant Cranberry Joy Tree Board showcases colorful fruit alongside creamy cheeses and crunchy crackers. | ovenharmony.com

This tray always brings the family together especially when we share stories around the holidays

Notes

Add cured meats such as prosciutto or salami for a non-vegetarian option Serve with chilled white wine sparkling cider or a festive cocktail

Required Tools

Large platter or wooden board Paring knife Small bowls (for jam/honey and loose items) Cheese knives

Allergen Information

Contains milk (cheese) tree nuts (almonds) and gluten (crackers baguette) For nut allergies omit almonds For gluten-free use gluten-free crackers and bread Always check labels for hidden allergens

This board is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and adds holiday cheer to any gathering

Cranberry Joy Tree Board

Celebrate with a vibrant board combining cranberries, cheeses, nuts, and fruits in a festive tree shape.

Prep duration

25 min

Cook duration

1 min

Complete duration

26 min

Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Seasonal Cooking

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Cheeses

01 3.5 oz brie cheese, cubed

02 3.5 oz sharp white cheddar, cubed

03 3.5 oz herbed goat cheese, rolled into balls

Fruits

01 1 cup fresh cranberries

02 1 cup red grapes, halved

03 1 green apple, sliced

04 0.5 cup dried apricots, halved

Savory Accompaniments

01 0.5 cup green olives, pitted

02 0.5 cup Marcona almonds or roasted almonds

03 0.25 cup pepitas or pumpkin seeds

Sweets

01 0.25 cup dark chocolate squares

02 0.25 cup honey or fig jam

Crackers and Bread

01 1.5 cups assorted crackers (gluten-free if needed)

02 0.5 baguette, sliced (optional)

Garnish

01 Fresh rosemary sprigs

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Base Frame: Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs on a large wooden board or platter to outline a tree shape, resembling branches.

Phase 02

Create Lower Layers: Form the bottom section of the tree by layering rows of crackers and bread slices.

Phase 03

Add Fruit and Cheese Layers: Alternate rows of cubed cheeses, halved red grapes, fresh cranberries, and sliced green apple moving upward along the tree shape.

Phase 04

Incorporate Savory Items: Distribute green olives, almonds, and halved dried apricots evenly to fill gaps and provide color contrast.

Phase 05

Decorate with Ornaments: Place herbed goat cheese balls and dark chocolate squares strategically as decorative elements resembling ornaments.

Phase 06

Add Sweetener: Position a small bowl filled with honey or fig jam near the base or side of the board for dipping.

Phase 07

Final Garnish: Enhance the presentation by adding extra rosemary sprigs and optionally top with a star-shaped cracker or cheese slice.

Phase 08

Serve or Store: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to present.

Necessary tools

Large platter or wooden board
Paring knife
Small bowls for jam or honey and loose items
Cheese knives

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.

Contains milk (cheese), tree nuts (almonds), and gluten (crackers, baguette). For nut allergies, omit almonds; for gluten intolerance, use gluten-free crackers and bread. Check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.

Energy: 275
Fats: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 27 g
Proteins: 9 g